New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-08-07

|
the backward sutton a gentle push. The honor
intended for him might too great. In
| secluded corner at garden party she opened fire.
| You are evidently not a marrying man, Mr..
Codd," she said playfully How can you
resist the lovely girls you meet daily?'
Mr.. Codd cast sharp glance at the lady's
smiling face.
| my thoughts have been always given to
| other matters-more prosaic things, Lady Umfre
| vile. Till lately the idea of matrimony never
entered my head"
| "Ah, then suppose you have begun to think
Of 1t. Indeed, man Of your position-of your
wealth and influence owes this duty to society.
OF caurse you are entitled to look for birth and
beauty, and l feel sure that any well brought
up, right minded girl will appreciate your ster-
ling qualities. ] have son Of my cwn, you
know" with a sigh but assure you, Mr.. Codd,
feel quite maternal interest in your welfare
| This rather more than necessary Mr..
| Codes little eyes sparlSed.
| pray cease, Lady Umfreville. ] am not
man to rate my own merits beneath their worth,
but cannot allow you to speak in these terms"
II have thought, Mr. Gold" continued the
unabashed countess that your remarkable mod
esty might prevent you from aspiring in drec-
ton where your heart may be engaged Let
me offer you encouragement. You remember the
Old adage faint heart never won fair lady
l think should like cup OF tea now, Mr.. Codd
The stockholders eyes were downcast as he
|
slipped her tea she wondered audibly what had
become of Geraldine. Finally she sent Mr.. Codd
| in quest of the rowing damsel. lie presently
found her issuing from secluded shrubbery IN
company of Rupert Paulet. He smiled at his
friend as he declared his mission TO Lady
Geraldine.
That evening Rupert Paulet dined tete-a-tete
with Mr. Codd. When the servants left the
room silence fell between the two men,
Am l to congratulate you, old fellow"
said Mr.. COdd at last
"My dear Gold, you are the best hacker in
the world You may congratulate me; nave
won her, and it is all owing TO you. You have
put the only lucky chance have ever had In
my way. There'll be the deuce to pay with her
! ladyship of course, but when she knows all
there may he eXtenuatng circumstan ces"
| Mr.. Gold, getting up from his seat lald u
hand on the younger mans shoulder
81 was nearly falling in love with her myself
in the beginning Paulet. She is beautiful
creature"
$50 I thought-so / was afraid" answered
Rupert.
| But I soon saw how it was and it wouldn't
have been any good l can't think how she has
bred so true. The mother would sell her soul
for money And that little Lady Margaret-shc
is charming here Mr.. Codd sighed, and she Is
so tired of lords and marquises" Mr.. COdo'
throwing back his head laughed pleasantly
shall | tell the countess. all about III 10
morrow? I have an appointment with her In
the morning"
IF YOU only would, my dear Codd. You
mi hi break it gently. I'm In mortar lulh
when think of facing her.
On the morrow Mr.. Codd ju mpcd into hanson
! with cheerful micn and drove down TO Prince $
gate Lady Umfrevilc was of course at home
and would receive Mr.. Gold in her boudolr ms
| solicited interview surely BODIED some good news
you are an early visitor" she sGid, smiling,
Il thought you were always in the city at eleven
O'clock"
Not always Lady Umfrevine. And happily
have taken partner who will relieve me oil much
responsibility"
aIndeed-a very wise step. A rising young city
man ] suppose. IL he is friend OF yours you
must bring him here some day
NO he is not city man, but for all that no
has useful business talents. 1T is Mr. Pauiet
lie is n very reliable young fellow, and | have
every confidence in him." Lady Umfreviile starcd
at Mr. Codd in undignled amazcmcnt.
Rupert Pauet your partner. lie wrote 10 say
he had "A communication TO make TO me. Can III
possibly be this? What do his prospects SIGNIFY
to me?"
A great deal I fancy. believe he wishes 20
marry your daughter
The lady turned pale. 1t was clear from TINS
that MIR. Codd had no matrimonial intentions re-
gardng Lady Geraldine.
MY daughterl" she almost screamed, that
pcnnilcss man marry my beautiful Geraldine
Never"
You forget thaJ ne mas poou proSPcN'o-
as my partner lac is long way from pennies
"She has deceived mel am no match for her,
said the countess tragicly she rang the bell ana
ordered the servant 10 Summon Lady Geraldine
Tie Young lady appeared promptly.
How you do, Mr.. odd IN anu SIC warmly
pressed his Lard what do you want mo for,
map"
| Il understand from Mr. Gold that Rupert Pau
let has proposed to you, and is coming 10 speak TO
me on the subject. You have had the audacity
70 accept him ?"
Yes mamma but you Only understand part
of the truth You do not understand what part
generous city man has played. | owe debt OF
gratitude TO Mr.. Codd i can never repay. By MS
help am saved from some merccnary marriage
and am able to marry the man love. L mean 10
marry Rupert =? ulct. You know well enough that
he and / have loved each other from childhood,
and yct-yet you threw me at Mr.. Codds head.
did not do him justice at first. could not be-
lieve in so much llindness-that he was playing "A
part for Rupert's sake TO shield me from pcrsecu-
ton. l admire and respect him beyond all words.
lie has even deceived you.
These bitter words, spoken in a tone OF
scorn that cut home.
Leave the room instantly. If you marry ku-
pert Paulct it will not be with my consent"
Mr. Codd seemed TO have something more 10 say
There is another matter OF more Importance to
me personally Lady Umfrevllc," ne stanmercd
a little. you have another daughter-shc Is IL
charming girl 1t is not possible that her alice
lions arc already engaged. Have your permits
sion TO pay my addresses to hcr?'
! The countess dumbioundcd
Mr.. Cold, am amazed How have you made
! her acquaintance? She is yet in the schooroom."
! Mr. Cold explained rather lamey.
Lady Umfrcvilie sighed. This was mitigation
of calamity. If Geraldine insisted on marrying
Rupert who was Likely to give assistance as
Mr. Codd If brother-in-law?
1t came TO pass at the end OF the season that
Lady Umfrevile's two lovely daughters were
given away at the same altar.
"Optimus is a darling" wrote Lady Margaret
n month later to her sister. lie is just the sort
Of husband to suit me. Every one ought to marry
| a city man. He thinks everything l say and do
| ia right and is, Obi so generous. He ism I hand
some but then he isn't bit jealous, and let's